OL24

Brandon Linder

OG Miami

Grade

5.35 SEC

30 REPS

26.5 INCH

100.0 INCH

Overview

Started in 42 of 49 games played, and finished career with 37 consecutive starts. 2013: Second-team All-ACC pick at guard. Started all 13 games, with 10 starts at right guard and three at right tackle. Named team's offensive MVP. 2012: Started all 12 games at right guard. 2011: Played and started all 12 games. 2010: Played in 12 games, starting in five. Was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week against Georgia Tech. Took snaps at center, guard, offensive tackle and tight end.

Analysis

Strengths

Terrific size. Engages with urgency and works to gain positioning. Can lean and seal. Good hand placement. Functional anchor when his base and posture are technically sound. Ideal makeup to battle in the trenches. Plays with his head on a swivel -- alert to threats. Nasty finisher. Outstanding personal and football character. Smart vocal leader. Tough, durable and experienced (42 career starts).

Weaknesses

Adequate athlete. Limited explosion -- cannot overpower defenders. Plays short-armed (average sustain). Tends to lunge and slip off blocks. Body control and contact balance wane in space and on the move. Is late to cut off linebackers and struggles the farther he has to go.

Draft Projection

Rounds 4-5

Bottom Line

Big, experienced, highly competitive, short-area base blocker at his best in a phone booth. Lacks ideal power and athleticism, but has football intelligence, leadership traits and a bulldog?s mentality. Should earn a spot as an interior backup initially, but brings grit to the line and has the makeup to outplay his draft position.
-Nolan Nawrocki